WHEN local amateur sportsman Roy Thomasson died from cancer last summer at the age of 50, Bolton lost a sporting "gentleman."

Roy was not only a local football referee and former player but a popular cricketer and coach at Astley Bridge Cricket Club where he helped nurture young talent like Sajid Mahmood, who now plays for Lancashire.

Roy's widow, Kathryn, was determined to honour his memory by continuing his contribution to the town's life - raising funds in his memory.

Now, a successful event at Astley Bridge Conservative Club has raised £3,600 for Bolton Hospice where Roy was cared for.

And Kathryn and 18 friends are all running in the Race For Life at Leverhulme Park on Sunday, June 20 as "Roy's Girls", to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

"Roy was a very fit person and lived a healthy lifestyle. He loved sport and really enjoyed helping youngsters," explained Kathryn at the family's Moss Bank Way home.

He had been unwell for some time, but what was first thought to be an immune problem was finally diagnosed as lung cancer - although Roy, the father of two sons, was a lifelong non-smoker.

He had chemotherapy and radiotherapy before finally going into Bolton Hospice last year where he died.

"They were absolutely wonderful with him there, like they are with everyone," said Kathryn, aged 46.

"I was determined to help them to show how much we appreciated everything they did."

As well as organising the fund-raising event and taking part in the Race For Life, Kathryn is also becoming a volunteer helper at the Hospice.

She added: "I think Roy would have approved of what I'm doing."

Look out for the latest news of the Bolton Race For Life in tomorrow's Bolton Evening News.